MINT ETF: What Is It? — Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF (MINT) is an actively managed ultra-short bond ETF that invests diversified across investment-grade bonds with maturities under one year. Its low duration and monthly dividend income are key strengths, and it is widely used as a short-term vehicle for idle cash-like funds or as a conservative yield instrument.
SubscribeWhat Is the PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF?
It is an actively managed ETF that invests diversified across investment-grade short-term bonds with maturities of one year or less. By keeping the average portfolio duration under one year, it limits price sensitivity to interest-rate changes while pursuing enhanced yields relative to cash equivalents.
It is well suited for investors looking to deploy short-term idle funds or seeking a conservative income instrument with reduced volatility.
This is an actively managed ETF run by PIMCO.
How Does the PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracking Index | Actively managed (no benchmark tracking) |
| Management Style | Active (selected by professional managers) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | As needed (at manager discretion) |
| Distribution Frequency | Monthly |
| Issuer | PIMCO |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.36% |
A significant portion of assets is allocated across bonds of various maturities, centered on investment-grade short-term bonds. The managers actively adjust duration and holdings in line with their market outlook, typically keeping the average duration at one year or less.
- Short average duration capped at one year
- Active bond selection by professional managers
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF: Size and Cost (AUM · Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $18.4B, with a total expense ratio of 0.36% annually.
While it offers enhanced income compared with cash equivalents, investors must accept modest volatility from bond price movements.
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF: Performance and Flows
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeGiven its ultra-short bond characteristics, price swings tend to be limited, and distributions tend to move in line with short-term interest rates. Changes in the rate environment can affect the distribution yield.
As a vehicle for idle cash funds, flows tend to be relatively steady. During periods of elevated market uncertainty, capital also tends to flow into short-term bond vehicles to reduce volatility.
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF: Pros and Cons
Low duration and stable income are key strengths, while modest volatility from interest-rate and credit environment changes is a drawback.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF: Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The JPST, PULS, and VUSB shown in the table are comparable products within the same ultra-short/short-term bond category, differing in issuer and fee levels. Those seeking even shorter-duration stability may also review the short-term Treasury ETFs SGOV and BIL, while those willing to extend maturity slightly for higher income can consider the short-term bond ETF BSV as well.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 JPST | JPMorgan Ultra-Short Income ETF | $50.41 | +0.0% | $42.5B | 0.18% | 4.14% | -0.6% |
 PULS | PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF | $49.63 | +0.0% | $19.8B | 0.15% | 4.37% | -0.4% |
 VUSB | Vanguard Ultra-Short Bond ETF | $49.60 | +0.0% | $9.9B | 0.10% | 4.27% | -0.7% |
 FTSM | First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF | $59.76 | +0.0% | $6.8B | 0.29% | 4.08% | -0.6% |
 DUSB | Dimensional Ultrashort Fixed Income ETF | $50.62 | +0.1% | $2.8B | 0.15% | 3.92% | -0.3% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 USLM | United States Lime & Minerals Inc | 0.06% | $114.06 | +4.3% | $3.3B | 24.4 | 0.21% |
 BNO | United States Brent Oil Fund LP | 0.03% | $70.76 | +0.9% | $0.0M | - | - |
| HSBC | HSBC Holdings plc ADR | 0.01% | $86.60 | +0.3% | $296.8B | 11.3 | 4.81% |
 LUV | Southwest Airlines Co | 0.01% | $43.68 | +0.5% | $21.4B | 20.9 | 1.79% |
| BA | Boeing Co | 0.01% | $172.65 | +3.3% | $136.8B | 19.0 | 0.02% |
| DB | Deutsche Bank AG | 0.01% | $34.86 | +4.0% | $65.5B | 9.0 | 3.68% |
 CRBG | Corebridge Financial Inc | 0.01% | $35.29 | -0.1% | $15.7B | 20.1 | 2.85% |
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF: Investor Checklist
Key points to review before investing in MINT. This ETF works well as a cash-equivalent alternative, but the expense ratio, average duration, credit profile of holdings, and currency exposure are all worth confirming before buying.
| Checkpoint | What to Confirm | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Compare fee level versus the short-term bond category | Annual fee applied |
| ⏱️ Duration | Average maturity and rate sensitivity | Maintained under 1 year |
| 💧 Credit Profile | Credit-rating distribution of holdings | Investment-grade focused |
| 💱 Currency | Impact on won-denominated returns | No currency hedging |
Short-term rate movements and shifts in the credit environment are the main variables driving the distribution yield and price. Even classified as a cash alternative, the possibility of principal loss from bond-price movements does not disappear entirely.
This ETF is well suited as a short-term parking place for idle cash or as a conservative income instrument. If higher stability is needed, short-term Treasury ETFs can be considered; if additional income is required, short-term bond ETFs with longer maturities are another option.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 21, 2026.
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